Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The shoulder replacement procedure is a surgical intervention to replace damaged shoulder joint components with artificial parts known as prostheses. It is done in an attempt to eradicate the cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, and avascular necrosis are the most common causes of shoulder replacement surgery. The goal of the procedure is to make your shoulder and arm more functional, reduce your pain, improve your strength, and expand your range of motion.

Why is Shoulder Replacement Surgery needed?

This surgery is generally done for the treatment of following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis, characterized by wear-and-tear, harms the cartilage covering bone ends, essential for smooth joint movement.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Damage to the cartilage and bone in the shoulder joint may occur as a result of injuries to the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint known as the rotator cuff.
• Fractures: Replacement may be necessary for fractures at the upper end of the humerus, either due to the initial injury or if prior surgical attempts for fracture fixation have been unsuccessful.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Disorders: Inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, caused by an overactive immune system, can lead to cartilage and occasional underlying bone damage in the joint.
• Osteonecrosis: Certain shoulder conditions can impact blood flow to the humerus, causing bone collapse when deprived of blood.

You will have a consultation with your surgeon for evaluation one to two weeks before surgery. This generally includes:

• Complete medical history taking and symptoms review
• A complete physical exam
• X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scan of your shoulder
• A series of pre-operative tests will be conducted. These are: 
  ○    Blood tests
  ○    Urinalysis
  ○    Electrocardiogram (EKG) 
• Certain medications (like blood thinners, any anti-inflammatory medication, including aspirin) that may complicate the surgery can be discontinued. 
• You may be asked to discontinue smoking and drinking alcohol as these may interfere with the post-operative healing process.
• The day before surgery, your surgeon will advise you on when to stop eating and drinking. The majority of patients must abstain from food and liquids 12 hours prior to surgery

• You will be prepared for surgery by checking your your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• Then the preoperative medications will be administered, which may cause drowsiness and a dry mouth. 
• Most patients get general anesthesia and a nerve block. General anesthesia induces a deep sleep whereas the nerve block numbs the shoulder for pain control post-procedure. 
• The surgery usually takes 1 to 3 hours.
• To access the area, your surgeon will make an incision across your shoulder joint. 
• Then the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) will be removed
• The new metal head and stem will be adjusted into the place or can be cemented in the bone in case bone quality is poor
• The surface of the old socket will be smoothed and the new one will be cemented in the place
• The incision will be closed with staples or sutures
• A dressing or bandage will be placed over your wound
• To release any fluid that might accumulate in the joint, your surgeon might insert a tube in this region. The drain will be taken out after the need is over.

Like any surgery, shoulder replacement surgery has risks. Among them are:

• Dislocation: The possibility exists for the ball of the new joint to dislocate from the socket.
• Fracture: During or after surgery, the humerus bone, scapula, or glenoid bone may experience fractures.
• Implant Loosening: Although shoulder replacement components are durable, there is a chance of loosening or wear over time, potentially requiring additional surgery to replace the affected components.
• Rotator Cuff Failure: The muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the rotator cuff, may wear out after a partial or total anatomic shoulder replacement.
• Nerve Damage: Placement of the implant may lead to injury of nerves in the area, causing numbness, weakness, or pain.
• Blood Clots: Formation of clots in the veins of the leg or arm post-surgery can be risky, as a clot fragment may break off and travel to the lung, heart, or rarely, the brain.
• Infection: Infections can occur at the incision site or in deeper tissues, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention for treatment.

• You will stay in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU) for a short time. 
• The team obtains postoperative X-rays of your shoulder
• You will have an immobilizer around your shoulder. Unless instructed otherwise, avoid attempting to move your shoulder.
• The duration of your hospital stay post-surgery will be decided according to your specific needs. However, many individuals may return home on the same day with a number of post-operative care instructions.
• Pain management is crucial because shoulder surgery is a painful procedure. The majority of your pain should be reduced by your regional nerve block, but occasionally it might not, in which case you might need to take oral painkillers to stay comfortable.
• You are encouraged to move around and get out of bed during your hospital stay. It will be easier to dress if you bring loose-fitting apparel. After 48 hours, you'll be able to take a shower.
• Your physical therapist will guide you in understanding particular exercises and limitations, as well as how to perform them at home. Upon your discharge from hospital, written instructions will also be provided to you. These exercises are generally easy to perform and don't take much time.

While each person's recovery from Shoulder Replacement Surgery is unique, you can anticipate:

• Pain Management: You will undergo a preoperative 24- to 72-hour interscalene nerve block (anesthesia) on the day of your procedure. Painkillers must be prepared for when you get back home. Scheduled acetaminophen and a “as-needed” narcotic pain reliever are generally prescribed by surgeons.
• Day Span from 1-4: Pain as well as swelling will reside
• From Week 1-2: Your doctor will suggest gentle therapy exercises to perform
• From Weeks 2-6: Use of a sling after light tasks, such as lifting a cup of coffee or assembling a sandwich
• From Weeks 8-12: You will possibly return to normal activities
• For life after Surgery: There will be a 30-pound weight lifting restriction for patients who underwent total shoulder replacement

The total Shoulder Replacement procedure is generally a very successful operation. Around 90% of implant surgeries are free of complications even 10 years after surgery. Many patients recover their shoulders to the point where they can resume pain-free daily activities and low-impact sports.

The cost of shoulder replacement surgery in India varies according to various factors which are discussed in the next section of this article. However, the approximate cost of the procedure may range from AAAAAAAAAAA-ZZZZZZZZ.

Following are the factors affecting the cost of Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India:

• Doctor’s Expertise: The number of successful cases accomplished by a doctor may affect the cost of treatment. Generally, higher the expertise, higher will be the cost.
• Doctor’s Experience: The doctors with more years of work experience in shoulder replacement surgeries will charge more.
• Extent of Shoulder Damage: Greater damage will require a more extensive and complex course of treatment, which will also increase costs. 
• Overall Health Status of Patients: People having prevailing illnesses and old-age people will be at risk of getting more complications. So, there will be more post-operative care for them which will increase the cost.
• Out of Pocket Expense: If your treatment is not being covered under your health insurance policy, then you may have to pay a higher out of pocket amount for the treatment. 
• Pre-Surgical Expenses: Various diagnostic tests will add to the total cost of the treatment.
• Hospital Fees: If you are choosing a government hospital for your treatment, then the cost of the treatment will definitely be highly affordable. On the contrary, if you choose any private or corporate hospital for your treatment then you will have to pay a higher amount.
• Type of Surgery: Depending upon your condition, your doctor will plan the treatment approach for you. This will also impact the cost of treatment depending upon the approach chosen.
• City where hospital is located: Hospitals located in bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Noida, Gurugram, etc. may charge comparatively more than the hospitals located in the smaller cities. This is because hospitals in the metropolises can facilitate you better in every aspect.

An approximate cost of diagnostics for Shoulder Replacement Surgery:

MedFlick, committed to ensuring a smooth and successful medical journey for you, offers:

• Individualized Guidance: Receive personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a Broad Healthcare Network: Connect with prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons through our extensive network.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: Access a full breakdown of treatment costs, promoting transparency and offering fair cost-effective solutions..
• Comprehensive Support Services: From travel arrangements to hotel and visa assistance, MedFlick provides a range of services to make your experience seamless.
• Multilingual Support: Break down language barriers, facilitating effective communication between patients and medical professionals.

Experience a transformative journey of a successful shoulder replacement surgery with MedFlick as your trusted guide. Our assistance makes navigating this life-changing therapeutic procedure simple and liberating, filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.